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Neuromodulation

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is an emerging therapy for epilepsy and several other neurological disorders. The Valiante Lab investigates utilizing DBS to 1) prevent seizures and 2) improve memory. We do this with the gracious cooperation of human patients who have intracranial electrodes temporarily implanted to monitor seizure activity in preparation for epilepsy surgery.

We have designed an implantable microchip that can detect that a seizure is about to occur and subsequently prevent the seizure with focal, mild electrical stimulation. We will test the efficacy of this device in volunteers with drug-resistant epilepsy in a clinical trial in Toronto. More information is available on here.

In addition to seizures, epilepsy can lead to memory impairments. We are investigating using electrical stimulation of brain regions critical for memory to boost memory performance. If successful, it would help the development of DBS therapies for improving memory performance in epilepsy and likely other neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.